RAF LGBTQ+ Network

The Official RAF LGBTQ+ Network working to ensure that the RAF LGBTQ+ community are supported, valued and empowered to benefit the individual and service.

[RAF LGBTQ+ Network @RAF_LGBT]

Thank you @caz_paige a true trailblazer and inspirational leader. Good luck in all your future endeavours.

[Fighting With Pride @fightingwpride]

It is with immense gratitude and deep admiration that we congratulate Chief Executive Caroline Paige MBE as she retires today after 5 years leading change for the Armed Forces #LGBT community 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ https://t.co/zII6TaVgBk

[Fighting With Pride @fightingwpride]

It is with immense gratitude and deep admiration that we congratulate Chief Executive Caroline Paige MBE as she retires today after 5 years leading change for the Armed Forces #LGBT community 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ https://t.co/zII6TaVgBk

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

Today marks 25 years since the ban on LGBT people serving in the Armed Forces was lifted.

This Government is committed to addressing historic wrongs and supporting veterans. We honour and celebrate the service of all LGBT personnel, past and present.

https://t.co/V8tS6LnKEi

[ACM Harv Smyth @ChiefofAirStaff]

I was delighted to join RAF veterans whose careers were cut short due to the ban of LGBTQ personnel in the Armed Forces and, alongside many serving today, celebrate the lifting of the ban 25 years ago. https://t.co/W4Y24atwJX

[ACM Harv Smyth @ChiefofAirStaff]

In #NationalInclusionWeek, we remember the historical injustice that banned LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces. RAF Veterans, whose careers were ended by the ban, received their symbolic Etherton Ribbons from Lord Etherton at the RAF Inclusion Conference at RAF Cranwell.

[Royal Air Force @RoyalAirForce]

Yesterday, the RAF held a LGBT Restorative Action Ceremony to honour & recognise LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban of LGBT people in the UK armed forces.

Veterans were recognised for their service & received an apology for past injustices.

🔗 https://t.co/KZvMl7k5XX

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

Today, the first Etherton Ribbons for veterans affected by the ban on LGBT personnel serving in the military between 1967 and 2000 were presented by @JohnHealey_MP and @AlistairCarns – another historic step to right past wrongs.

[Sam Pullan @Sam_PullanRN]

Another fantastic year marching for @RAF_LGBT, @RAFMedServices and @pm_raf_ns
Always an honour to share this joy and important occasion with all four services and march alongside @fightingwpride who do so much for the veteran community.

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

#LGBTHistoryMonth

2000

The ban on LGB personnel in the UK Armed Forces being able to serve openly is lifted. The decision followed a series of talks between Pride London and the Ministry of Defence.

@RAF_LGBT

🔗https://t.co/NCfsrT97J6

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

#LGBTHistoryMonth

2005

An RAF couple made history by having the first same-sex civil partnership in the UK Armed Forces.

This month, we're celebrating the progress made for LGBTQ+ individuals in the military. @RAF_LGBT

🔗https://t.co/CfgFXP7vhT

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

#LGBTHistoryMonth

2019

The 2019 London Pride Parade was a historic event, with the largest military representation ever seen. A total of 250 members from all services proudly marched alongside an estimated 1.5 million parade-goers.

@raf_lgbt

🔗https://t.co/41LSRqu2zO

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

📣New service alert: We're launching a Telephone Friendship Group for LGBTQ+ RAF veterans, providing a safe space to help combat loneliness and build connections.

Learn more here 👉 https://t.co/1UkMwypNS8

#LGBTQ #RAFveterans

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

#LGBTHistoryMonth

2021

21 years after the ban on being homosexual in the military was lifted, former service personnel who were dismissed on the basis of their sexuality were invited to have their forfeited medals returned to them. @RAF_LGBT

🔗https://t.co/NCfsrT97J6

[Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 @DefenceHQ]

This LGBT History Month, Defence Minister @AWMurrison encourages LGBT veterans to apply for restorative measures following the Etherton Review. We are working hard to deliver the review’s recommendations at pace. LGBT veterans: support and next steps - https://t.co/IeW7PAWEv7

[RAF LGBTQ+ Network @RAF_LGBT]

Together, we explored diverse approaches and initiatives to advance equity for all sexual orientations and gender identities. #LGBTQ+ #DiversityandInclusion #RAF

[RAF LGBTQ+ Network @RAF_LGBT]

On Wednesday night, we were honored to participate in the annual LGBT History Month event at the Speakers House. Our Deputy Advocate and Co-Chair proudly represented the RAF, fostering meaningful dialogue with our sister Services and community networks.

[Royal Navy LGBTQ+ Network @RN_LGBTQ]

Last night, we had the pleasure of being invited to @CommonsSpeaker’s LGBT+ History Month Reception.

A fantastic event, full of kind words, positive actions and support measures.
We’ve come so far but we’re not resting on our laurels. Progress is underway ⚓️

[RAF Benevolent Fund @RAFBF]

To mark #LGBTHistoryMonth we're proud to collaborate with @RAF_LGBT to highlight the significant milestones and events that have ignited change for the LGBT+ community within the RAF.

Keep an eye on our channels throughout the month 🤝🌈

Image - UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022

[Army LGBTQ+ Network @ArmyLGBT]

“If you don’t recognise where you came from it’s very easy to take for granted the changes that have been made.”

[Army LGBTQ+ Network @ArmyLGBT]

24 years ago today, after years of campaigning and court cases, the ban on lesbian, gay & bisexual personnel serving in Britain’s Armed Forces was lifted and the Service Test introduced. Most personnel have only known the forces after the ban. https://t.co/ouGmkaoaSv